KEWANEE, Ill. — The nonprofit Hog Capitol Wildlife Rescue and Rehab has rescued six bald eagles with lead poisoning in the first three months of 2024. That nearly doubles the nonprofit's number from all of 2023.
So far, five of those six eagles have passed from their poisonings.
Eagles that survive lead poisoning often live with major neurological defects and many are never able to be released back into the wild.
Bald eagles get lead poisoning from bullets and fishing lures that contain lead. If this type of ammunition is left in animal carcasses or intestines left on the ground after field-dressing, the birds can consume it while feeding. The birds may also eat fish contaminated with lead lures.
One of the eagles rescued in 2023 is Miss Liberty. While she survived her lead poisoning, she suffers from significant neurological defects that will prevent her from ever returning to life in the wild. She is only able to fly short distances and must be hand-fed.
Another, named Beautiful Girl or BG, was found in early 2024 with a lead level of 9.5 when rescued by Hog Capitol. The rescue center gave her chelation therapy, which has successfully helped lower those lead levels.
Chelation therapy costs the nonprofit $300 a week for each bird. Typically, it is administered in liquid form. However, Hog Capitol says the price of liquid chelation has increased dramatically, to around $5,000 a bottle. Consequently, Hog Capitol purchases a cheaper, pill form that is more difficult to administer from the Kewanee Vet Clinic.
If you are interested in donating to Hog Capitol's efforts, you can check out their Paypal or Venmo. Checks can be mailed to Tamara Yarger, 824 N Burr Blvd, Kewanee, IL 61443. You can also donate to the Kewanee Vet Clinic for Hog Capitol Account at 206 Townsedge Road, Kewanee, IL 61443 or by calling 309-852-2252.
Hog Capitol co-founder, Tammy Yarger, joined The Current on News 8 to discuss the work her nonprofit is doing with these birds. You can watch the full interview in the above video.
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